Look To The Stars News: Abuse

Melua Single Profits Going To Charity

Sun, 16 Apr 2006 11:35:43 +0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Jazz singer Katie Melua has announced that proceeds from her next single “Spider’s Web” will be donated to charity.

The charity to benefit from the star’s generous move is Save the Children, for whom the 21-year old is an ambassador.

From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/62-melua-single-profits-going-to-charity

Celebrities sign Lamborghini for Child Safety Network

Sat, 02 Sep 2006 11:46:13 +0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Italian prestige sportscar manufacturer Lamborghini has donated one of its Gallardos to the Child Safety Network (CSN) for auction. The proceeds will go directly to the 17-year-old charity, which provides child safety information to US families.

To add to the uniqueness of the lot, the car was transported from Beverly Hills through Las Vegas to New York, collecting the signatures of celebrities on its way. Signatories include Ed Asner, Samuel L. Jackson, Jewel, Randy Travis and Jon Voight.

The car will be sold without a reserve. Details of the East coast auction are available at the auctioneers’ web site, kruse.com

From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/112-celebrities-sign-lamborghini-for-child-safety-network

The Hollywood Cookbook Launch Party

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 20:32:59 +0000

Written by Charles Harder

Stars and food converged at Kitchen Academy in Hollywood last night for a party launching The Hollywood Cookbook — a beautiful 271-page hardcover collection of sumptuous recipes, each accompanied by a large photo, from the personal kitchens of 20 celebrities and 6 world-class chefs. Five dollars from each purchase benefits 20 important charities dear to the hearts of the celebrity contributors.

The cookbook covers the spectrum of food and beverage, from appetizers, soups and salads, to main courses, desserts, and even cocktails. Michael J. Fox's Barn Dance Chicken, and Jane Kaczmarek and Bradley Whitford's Savory Fall Stew are just two of the 107 creative and simple dishes that can be duplicated in any kitchen regardless of culinary skill level. Chefs Wolfgang Puck, Mario Batali, Joachim Splichal, Nick Stellino, Michael Cimarusti and Rocco DiSpirito also contributed recipes to the book.

At the event, the students of Kitchen Academy prepared and served 20 recipes featured in the cookbook, each one tastier than the last. This reporter’s favorite: Door Knob Sweet Potato Balls (an appetizer) from designer Paige Hemmis of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Yum!

Chef Jamie Gwen’s movie-star looks and talk-show host’s presence kept attendees laughing and entertained as the event’s emcee. The evening included a cooking demonstration by actor Greg Grunberg, and an informal awards ceremony. Eric Close of TV’s Without a Trace gave a heartfelt tribute to his charity, Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, which pairs abused children with rescued horses and adult leaders at 24 wilderness ranches around the U.S. and Canada, to help restore the heart, soul, mind and strength of the kids.

Written by screenwriter Jackie Zabel and actress Morgan Most, and published by Silverback Books, The Hollywood Cookbook is a perfect holiday gift (retails for $35, but presently is featured at Amazon.com for only $23). The event was co-sponsored by Maurice Le Croix Swiss Watches and The Kitchen Academy.

Celebrities & Charities: Thora Birch (Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation), Michael Chiklis (The Children's Lifesaving Foundation), Eric Close (Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch), Mark Dacascos (Reel Angels), James Denton (Cure Autism Now), Michael J. Fox & Tracy Pollan (The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research), Afton Fraser & Brendan Fraser (P.S. ARTS), Greg Grunberg (Pediatric Epilepsy Project), Anne Hathaway (Lollipop Theater Network), Paige Hemmis (Habitat For Humanity), Ron Howard (Boys' and Girls' Clubs of America), Jane Kaczmarek and Bradley Whitford (Clothes Off Our Back), Esai Morales (TreePeople), Don Most (City of Hope), Bob Saget (Scleroderma Research Foundation), Marlo Thomas (St. Jude Children's Research Hospital), Kerry Washington (Step Up), Treat Williams (Save the Children), Alicia Witt (The Art of Elysium), and Kelly Wolf & Scott Wolf (Camp Heartland).

From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/158-the-hollywood-cookbook-launch-party

Colbert Show Portrait Prop Nets Money for Children’s Charity

Sun, 26 Nov 2006 17:22:43 +0000

Written by Robert Powers

When The Colbert Report, a half-hour TV-news commentary satire that follows The Daily Show, celebrated its one-year anniversary last month, the show decided to replace a mainstay set prop: the portrait-within-a-portrait of host Stephen Colbert.

The “painting,” which is actually a digital photo of Colbert doctored to resemble a painting, features a cross-armed, stern-looking Colbert standing in front of a picture that depicts a more urbane and suave-looking Colbert. So when the actual Colbert would come to stand by his set’s fake fireplace, he could be seen standing beside two versions of himself, virtually creating a portrait-within-a-portrait-within-yet-another-portrait of the cantankerous commentator.

And now, while another equally humorous portrait in the same vein now graces The Colbert Report set (the new one encapsulates three whole likenesses of Colbert), the old one has been auctioned off for the charity Save the Children on eBay. The charity, as its name suggests, is a globally-linked series of organizations that are involved in efforts to improve the lives of children in need throughout the world.

The auction, plagued early by fake bids, settled on a winning bid of $50,605 by Chad Walldorf and business associates of the Sticky Fingers chain of seventeen barbeque restaurants.

“We don’t know much about art,” said Walldorf, chain owner and business partner, talking to the Associated Press, “but [we] figured any time you can get two portraits for the price of one, then it must be a great deal…”

The portrait can now be seen at the chain’s Charleston, N.C. location. Why Charleston out of sixteen other viable options? The North Carolina capital city can be proud to list Colbert as one of its own — the city is his hometown.

From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/162-colbert-show-portrait-prop-nets-money-for-childrens-charity

Iconic Eveningwear Up For Auction

Sat, 02 Dec 2006 23:25:21 +0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Trademark pieces worn by two of film’s most famous characters are to be auctioned off for charity in the first half of December.

British auctioneers Christie’s will sell the classic black dress worn by Audrey Hepburn's character, Holly Golightly, in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and a live auction for UK charity ChildLine will feature the tuxedo worn by Daniel Craig as James Bond in Casino Royale.

Hepburn’s Givenchy dress will sell as part of Christie’s annual film and entertainment sale in London on the 5th of December. The lot is expected to raise £50,000-£70,000 (around $99,000-$140,000) for underprivileged children in India through the City of Joy Aid charity.

Hepburn’s wardrobe for the film was designed by Hubert de Givenchy, and the renowned designer has donated key pieces from his collection to raise money for disadvantaged children around the world in an attempt to continue the spirit of Audrey Hepburn’s work for UNICEF.

The famous black dress was given to Monsieur and Madame Lapierre to raise money for their City of Joy Aid charity. A meeting with Mother Theresa prompted the Lapierres to found the charity in 1981, which helps the poorest of the poor through a network of clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers and hospital boats.

The dress is currently available for viewing at Christie’s in London.

Daniel Craig’s dinner suit was donated to ChildLine, which is marking its 20th anniversary by auctioning off over 30 prizes, including a part in Desperate Housewives, lyrics for the hit song Angels handwritten and signed by Robbie Williams, and a signed Michael Schumacher limited edition print. The live auction will take place at the ChildLine Ball on Saturday 9 December, though fax and email bids can be made up until 7th of December.

ChildLine is striving to raise £20m (around $40m) to extend by 1,000 the 2,500 children it currently helps each day. The charity has brought abusers to justice, and has helped nearly two million children through counselling and support.

From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/165-iconic-eveningwear-up-for-auction

2007 Princess Diana Charity Concert Sells Out - For Now

Sat, 30 Dec 2006 20:24:10 +0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Earlier this month, Princes William and Harry announced that they would hold a charity concert in 2007 to commemorate what would have been their mother’s 46th birthday. Taking place at London’s famous Wembley football stadium, all available tickets for the concert have now sold out.

Performers including Elton John, singer Joss Stone, Diana’s favourite band Duran Duran, Bryan Ferry, the English National Ballet, Andrew Lloyd-Webber and hip-hop artist Pharrell Williams will appear at the event on 1st July.

Speaking for himself and his brother, Prince William said, “We both wanted to put our stamp on it. We want it to represent exactly what our mother would have wanted.”

Proceeds from the concert will benefit a number of charities that received support from the princess during her life, and two of the princes’ own charities, Centrepoint and Sentebale.

Sir Elton John said: "I applaud Princes William and Harry for choosing to honour their mother with this concert. I am absolutely thrilled to be performing at this great event.

“Diana was a personal friend and someone I greatly admired for her tireless and enthusiastic work for charity.”

More tickets for the event are expected to be released in 2007, and will be available from www.concertfordiana.com.

From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/172-2007-princess-diana-charity-concert-sells-out-for-now

Idols To Give Back On TV Special

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 09:21:10 +0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, and Forest Whitaker will be appearing on the two-night special, Idol Gives Back on April 24th and 25th. The stars hope to raise awareness and funds for relief programs helping children living in extreme poverty in America and Africa.

Other celebrities who plan to appear include the original American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, Helena Bonham Carter, Daniel Radcliffe, Teri Hatcher, and Rowan Atkinson.

The show on the 25th will include entertainment by Gwen Stefani, Josh Groban, Pink, Michael Buble, Annie Lennox, Il Divo and Sacha Baron Cohen.

Viewers will be encouraged to make donations on toll-free lines and the Internet, with the funds being distributed via the Charity Projects Entertainment Fund to Save the Children, UNICEF, and other organizations dealing with poverty, health and education in the U.S. and Africa.

The event is inspired by Red Nose Day, part of the UK’s Comic Relief, which has raised over $800 million in its history of entertainment fundraisers.

From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/201-idols-to-give-back-on-tv-special

Idol Gives Back $60m

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 19:25:00 +0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Fox has announced that $60m has been raised so far by the two-night “Idol Gives Back” special, with donations continuing to flow in.

Viewers cast over 70 million votes following Tuesday night’s performances; Fox’s parent company News Corporation had pledged 10 cents for each of the first 50 million votes, and its donation was matched by AllState and ExxonMobil. Further corporate donations came from Ford, Coca-Cola, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, ConAgra Foods and AT&T.

During a two-hour results show on Wednesday, viewers pledged money via a toll-free number and Idol’s website, while host Ellen DeGeneres gave $100,000 and judge Simon Cowell made a “significant six-figure donation”.

Celebrities pre-recorded appeals for donations, including Madonna, who was in Malawi, and Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker, who was in Uganda where he filmed “The Last King of Scotland.”

U2's Bono also sent a pre-recorded message, saying, “People say you can’t be the generation that ends brutal, stupid poverty, but we can and we will,”

The money raised will be administered by the Charity Projects Entertainment Fund (CPEF), a new charity aiming to battle extreme poverty in America and Africa.

In Africa, the Fund will use the Idol money to support The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, Malaria No More, Nothing But Nets, Save the Children, and The U.S. Fund for UNICEF.

In America, CPEF will use the money to boost Save the Children, Feeding America, Boys' and Girls' Clubs of America, and Children's Health Fund.

Mark Shriver, VP of U.S. programs for Save the Children, told Reuters, “They took a risk by using their show to raise issues of poverty and asking people to contribute, and that is a huge accomplishment. The American Idol format is hugely successful and they introduced starving, dying children in Africa and children struggling with poverty in the United States, and brought that to prime time television.”

Fans can still contribute directly via the Idol website, or visit the iTunes Store to buy for-charity recordings of the night’s performances by the contestants and celebrities including Céline Dion, Josh Groban, Annie Lennox, Earth Wind & Fire, and Il Divo.

From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/206-idol-gives-back-60m

John Ondrasik Asks What Kind Of World You Want

Tue, 08 May 2007 18:58:56 +0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting has started a charity music video community. The site, www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com, offers the public the chance to upload videos which explain the type of world in which they want to live.

At the end of every video viewers can click on the sponsor link; each click donates up to 49 cents to one of the charities chosen by Ondrasik. He encourages submissions, saying, “There are no rules here, your film can be personal, political – write a story, tell a story – anything goes.”

The charities benefitting from the website include Fisher House Foundation, Breast Cancer 3-Day, Save the Children, Autism Speaks, Save The Music Foundation and New York Police & Fire Widows' & Children's Benefit Fund. John tells us that another charity, Augie's Quest will be added within the next few months.

For those who need more of a reason to create a video, there are prizes on offer. The grand prize winner will be chosen at random from the 20 most popular videos, and will be treated to a private concert with John Ondrasik including roundtrip airfare and lodging for two in Los Angeles.

From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/216-john-ondrasik-asks-what-kind-of-world-you-want

Hill, McGraw and More Become Cartier LOVECHARITY Ambassadors

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 11:29:00 +0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Djimon Hounsou, and Eva Mendes are among the list of 2007 Cartier LOVECHARITY Bracelet Ambassadors.

The Cartier LOVE bracelet was introduced more than 30 years ago, and has risen to be one of the most coveted jewelry designs in the world. In 2006 alone, more than $1.2 million was donated to eight global charities from the sales of its LOVECHARITY bracelet, spurring the company to create a new LOVECHARITY bracelet for 2007. The goal is to exceed last year’s donations as a number of new celebrities join the endeavor.

The 2007 LOVECHARITY bracelet features an 18K white gold miniature LOVE bracelet graced with the word LOVE and accented with two signature screw motifs. It is set into a knotted silk cord available in various colors, with each cord designating support of a unique cause. The bracelet costs $475 with $100 per bracelet benefiting its corresponding charity.

The complete list of the 2007 Ambassadors and their corresponding charities includes:

Faith Hill and Tim McGraw have a chocolate brown bracelet for the Neighbor's Keeper Foundation
Djimon Hounsou has a deep copper bracelet for SOS Children's Villages
Eva Mendes has a navy bracelet for The Art of Elysium
Julianne Moore has a lavender bracelet for the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance
Rihanna has a sea foam green bracelet for Believe Foundation
Usher has a gold bracelet for the Usher's New Look Foundation
Rachel Weisz has a lilac bracelet for The Constant Gardener Trust
Elie Wiesel has a yellow bracelet for The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity

The 2006 LOVECHARITY Bracelets will also be available through the year, supporting YouthAIDS (Rosario Dawson) ; the Salma Hayek Foundation (Salma Hayek) ; USA Harvest (Scarlett Johansson) ; Maurice Kanbar Institute of Film & Television Graduate Division / Tisch School of the Arts/NYC (Spike Lee) ; Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (Edward Norton) ; UNICEF (Sarah Jessica Parker) ; The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (Liv Tyler) ; and Mercy Corps Gulf Coast Recovery Fund (Michael Stipe).

Cartier’s second annual LOVE DAY is scheduled for June 8, and on this day 10% of all sales from the complete LOVE collection will benefit partnered organizations.

From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/242-hill-mcgraw-and-more-become-cartier-lovecharity-ambassadors

Elton John, P. Diddy and Andrew Lloyd-Webber to Celebrate Life of Princess Diana

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 21:03:21 +0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

This Sunday, July 1st, music will fill the skies in remembrance of Princess Diana. The event was organised by her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry to celebrate her life, ten years after her death.

Concert For Diana will take place at Wembley Stadium in London, and is showcasing a wide variety of musical styles, from Andrew Lloyd-Webber to P. Diddy. Legends Elton John, Rod Stewart and Tom Jones will be joined by the likes of Joss Stone, Nelly Furtado, Pharrell Williams, Kanye West and James Morrison.

Many more performances will take place during the 8-hour-long event, including those by Duran Duran, Take That, Lily Allen and the English National Ballet.

Proceeds of the event go to charities which were supported by the Princess, and to charities of which her sons are now Patrons. These include: The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, Centrepoint, Sentebale, National AIDS Trust, The Leprosy Mission, the Royal Marsden Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital and the English National Ballet.

Tickets cost £45, but those who cannot make it to the concert can view it online at the Concert For Diana website.

From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/264-elton-john-p-diddy-and-andrew-lloyd-webber-celebrate-life-of-p

Prince Fragrance Raises Funds For Charity

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 20:34:26 +0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

On 07/07/07, Prince and Revelations Perfume and Cosmetics are to launch the 3121 fragrance with a surprise in-store concert and 24-hours of charity fundraising.

The philanthropic event begins at 12 am EST, at which point the 30 ml bottles of 3121 will be available for purchase at www.3121perfume.com. The 3121 collection will also be debuting at select Macy’s stores.

The fragrance will retail for $31.21, with 7% of each sale being divided between 7 charities chosen by Prince and Revelations.

“This event promises to be huge as Prince fans worldwide will be able to participate in this exclusive offer”, says Larry Couey, President of Revelations. “Our goal is to raise a half million dollars for charity on 07/07/07.”

“Prince has always been generous and this is an opportunity for the public to join him in giving back in a very large and meaningful way.”

The charities benefitting from the event include City of Hope, Jazz Foundation of America, H.A.L.O., Elevate Hope Foundation, Urban Farming, The Bridge and Edith Couey Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund.

From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/277-prince-fragrance-raises-funds-for-charity

Hilary Duff Dishes It Out at Homeless Shelter

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 17:03:34 +0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Singer Hilary Duff served up chicken and stew for hundreds of homeless and working poor men last week at Hope Mission's Herb Jamieson Center, a shelter in downtown Edmonton, Alberta. She stopped by the Center as part of her campaign to raise awareness about poverty and hunger.

“It’s nice when someone who makes a lot of money will look you in the eye and treat you like a real person,” Hope Mission spokeswoman Janelle Aker said, adding that Duff’s efforts could also help raise awareness with a younger demographic.

The pop star was in town as part of the Canadian leg of her North American Dignity tour, which kicked off last weekend. Duff is once again asking concert-goers to bring along non-perishable food donations to be collected at concert gates by The Salvation Army and distributed by food charity Harvest. Harvest chapters “collect surplus food from restaurants, grocery stores, and other food producers and immediately deliver it to missions, shelters, soup kitchens and food banks.” During her previous two Canadian tours, Duff raised over 125,000 pounds for Alberta Harvest. Harvest founder Stan Curtis says each concert can bring in as many as 3,000 cans of food, enough for 6,000 meals.  

Last November Duff bought 200,000 meals through USA Harvest for Hurricane Katrina refugees still in shelters over a year after the disaster. Curtis says, “Hilary has set an extraordinary example with her generous contributions to the Gulf Coast victims of (the) tragic hurricanes. With her current contribution, Hilary will have donated over 2.7 million meals to the victims who still need these generous donations.”

Even so, Duff says, “A big misconception of charity work and celebrities is that it takes a lot of money. It doesn’t take a lot of money. Your time is the best thing you can give.” She feels that with compassion, homelessness and hunger are simple to solve.

Duff plans to meet with fans before her August 25 concert in Louisville, Kentucky, and is asking her fans to help her raise 1,000 cans of food at the event.

Scarlett Johansson, Green Day and Goo Goo Dolls are also contributors to USA Harvest.

From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/310-hilary-duff-dishes-it-out-at-homeless-shelter

Reese Witherspoon Joins Women’s Health Crusade

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 08:37:18 +0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Actress Reese Witherspoon is Avon’s first ever Global Ambassador, serving as the Honorary Chairman of the Avon Foundation and focusing on raising awareness about breast cancer, domestic violence and emergency relief initiatives.

“We are thrilled to welcome Reese as our Global Ambassador and believe she will give a strong voice to the company’s commitment to empowering women,” says CEO Andrea Jung. “Reese is a perfect fit. She clearly embodies the drive, the commitment and entrepreneurial spirit that is at the heart of Avon.”

The Avon Foundation is a public charity founded in 1955 whose mission is simply “to improve the lives of women and their families.” Fundraising programs for breast cancer include the US Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series, the global Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer series and Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, which support access to treatment for the medically underserved in 50 countries through screening and diagnosis, support services, education and scientific research.

Avon’s Need for Speed Relay Against Domestic Violence, and Avon Speak Out Against Domestic Violence programs focus on awareness, education and prevention programs. Among their initiatives was an award-winning Mexican public service announcement entitled “Golpe” (“Punch”). It showed a beautiful woman with a black eye and headline “At Avon, we don’t want you to cover it up.”

The Avon Foundation also supports emergency and disaster relief through other special events. Last year, Avon’s annual awards celebration alone raised $2 million, and total funds raised by Avon’s philanthropy had reached $500 million.

“I am very excited to be partnering with Avon. It is a company that is known the world over as a crusader for women’s causes,” said Ms. Witherspoon. “I am truly impressed by how Avon has been able to effect real change in communities. I am proud to be joining in the great philanthropic work that is already underway.”

From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/311-reese-witherspoon-joins-womens-health-crusade

Lil' Kim Cares About Charity

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 08:18:10 +0000

Written by Nadia Lias

There’s more to Grammy Award winner Lil' Kim than music; she is also an established philanthropist. Often taking time to give back, she understands her social responsibility to the community and is committed to using her influence to inspire people.

The singer’s Lil' Kim Cares Foundation has announced that Lil’ Kim is teaming up with MusiCares to raise funds through a silent auction being held at the Grammy’s On The Hill ceremony. The ceremony will take place in Washington, DC on September 5, 2007 at the Willard Continental.

The Grammy’s On The Hill ceremony presents awards to outstanding individuals who have improved the environment for the creative community. Among the award recipients are performers Missy Elliott, Natalie Cole, Gloria Estefan, Vince Gill and Kelly Clarkson, senators Lamar Alexander, Hillary Clinton and John McCain, representative Mary Bono, and congressman John Conyers.

Tafia L. Allah-Pringle, the publicist for Lil’ Kim Cares stated that, “Lil’ Kim has added her celebrity to the MusiCares Foundation. She joins a list of celebrities in donating a few of their collector’s items for this year’s Silent Auction to benefit MusiCares which is the charitable arm of the GRAMMYs that provides a safety net of critical services and programs to members of the music community facing a medical, financial, or personal crisis.”

Lil' Kim Cares Foundation focuses on programs that provide positive impacts in communities worldwide. The Foundation raises funds, resources and awareness for national programs that assist with issues of homelessness, HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness, transitional living, child neglect and violence against women in impoverished neighborhoods.

From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/317-lil-kim-cares-about-charity

Jerry Lewis Tops Charity Survey

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 20:48:18 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A survey has named comedy actor Jerry Lewis as the most effective celebrity for charity causes, with 43% of those surveyed saying he is the best at raising funds and driving change for the issues he supports.

The survey, carried out by the Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, put the 81 year old veteran of movies including “The Nutty Professor” at the top of a list of ten philanthropic celebrities, such as Oprah Winfrey, Michael J. Fox, Jimmy Carter, Bill Gates, Angelina Jolie, Bono, Lance Armstrong, Katie Couric, and Rosie O'Donnell.
Jerry Lewis helped establish the Muscular Dystrophy Association in 1952, and has organized and hosted a Labor Day Telethon every year since 1966. His fundraising efforts have raised over $2 billion for neuromuscular care and research, with last year’s telethon raising $61 million alone. He has also been involved with fundraising for The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. He is the only media celebrity to have been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

“I’m always honored and humbled by the response of the American people to my efforts on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association,” said Lewis, who will host the 42nd Labor Day Telethon on September 2 and 3. “Their generosity has allowed us to provide important services and conduct vital research for 57 years.”

The survey also investigated the issues that Americans find most important. The results showed that causes to help children and animals are the most popular, followed by education and literacy, services for the elderly, religion, health and medicine, the environment, and aid for disabled people.

Respondents of the survey aged between 18 and 42 were more interested in international causes, and were more likely to be influenced by celebrities such as Oprah and Bono, who work with developing countries to ease poverty. Respondents over the age of 43 were influenced more by older celebrities, such as Bill Gates, who supports health and education issues, and Jimmy Carter, who works with Habitat For Humanity.
42% of those surveyed said they want to donate more time to charity, but cannot find the opportunity.

From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/334-jerry-lewis-tops-charity-survey

Stars Design Plates For Charity

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 17:51:22 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

For those who want to have dinner with the stars, this could be the next best thing. A selection of dinner plates designed by celebrities are for sale, with proceeds going to charity.

The plates feature designs by David Bowie, George Clooney, Giorgio Armani, Coldplay, Minnie Driver, and Sir Michael Caine, and are part of a fundraising initiative from 21st Century Leaders, a non-profit organization that plans to raise $3 million over three years through its “Whatever It Takes” celebrity-designed merchandise. So far, the organization has raised almost $1.5 million to fund “charitable projects in developing countries, and contribute to the protection of the environment and other causes”.

21st Century Leaders was founded by Charlotte di Vita, MBE, a goodwill ambassador for the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund. The 39 year old founded her first charity, Trade plus Aid, in 1992, which has raised over $5 million and helped communities in 21 developing countries to become self-supporting. A desire to do more led di Vita to start Whatever It Takes, a unique charity art project where celebrities donate their own artwork, which is then transferred onto “merchandise with a meaning”.

“It’s 15 minutes of their time to do an artwork,” said di Vita. “And it’s not just for a one-off sale or auction – I can use it to create employment and royalties that will help the charities for years to come.”

Proceeds from the products are distributed to a charity of the designer’s choice, and the dinner plates (which retail for $20) will benefit Oxfam, Save the Children, CARE International, UNHCR, and Anti-Slavery International. Other products available include mugs featuring the designs of Claudia Schiffer, Ewan McGregor, and Nicole Kidman (also retailing for $20), T-shirts designed by the Kaiser Chiefs ($80), shoes designed by Ozzy Osbourne ($80), and wristbands by Joss Stone, Green Day, and Paul McCartney ($6).

All merchandise is available from www.whateverittakes.org.

From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/340-stars-design-plates-for-charity

Goldberg, Keitel Trading for Charity

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 08:40:37 +0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

On Tuesday, September 11th, celebrity guests will join brokerage firm BGC’s third annual Charity Day, assisting the brokers to raise money for good causes. Stars such as Whoopi Goldberg, Harvey Keitel, Eli Wallach and Yogi Berra will join brokers in conducting real, live trades. 100% of the commissions raised on the day will go to charities such as Blythedale Children’s Hospital, Books for Kids Foundation, Cancer Research Institute, NARSAD Mental Health Research, Project FIND and the Wounded Warrior Project.

A different celebrity will appear on the trading floor every hour, beginning with the New York Jets’ Freeman McNeil at 9 am, Yogi Berra at 10 and Harriet Harris of Desperate Housewives and Frasier at 11. Next to arrive will be Tony Sirico of the Sopranos, who is raising funds for the Wounded Warrior Project. He will be joined by several of the brave service men and women supported by the charity.

At one o’clock, Whoopi Goldberg and Eli Wallach are scheduled to arrive. The rest of the afternoon is scheduled to feature Robert Funaro of The Sopranos; former New York Jet Boomer Esiason, Roy White, formerly of the NY Yankees, former NY Mets’ Ed Kranepool and former NY Knicks’ Earl Monroe along with NY Giants’ lineman Grey Ruegamer and the New York Red Bulls’ Joe Vide.

The above celebrities and charities are set to appear at the firm’s downtown New York trading floor, though the Charity Day is a global event. Celebrities appearing in the London and Paris offices include Sir Alex Ferguson, Rory Bremner, Chris Evans, Lisa Faulkner, Jason Flemyng, Nigel Haver, Sir Steve Redgrave, Stephane Pasquier, Paul-Henri Mathieu and Julien Benneteau.

Charities supported by the trading firm’s offices in Asia, Australia and Europe include: DebRA, Multiple Sclerosis, National Literacy Trust, Sparks, The Peter O’Sullevan Trust, UK Youth, Walk The Walk, Well Child, Wooden Spoon, Bobby Moore Fund, Chance to Shine, Chase, Honey Pot, Winston’s Wish, The Paul Hunter Foundation, Barnardo's, The Shane Warne Foundation, National Breast Cancer Foundation, Children’s Cancer Foundation, La Licorne and The Solidarity Fund (established to help victims of the fires in Greece).

BGC is a leading inter-dealer brokerage firm affiliated with Cantor Fitzgerald, the company that suffered the heaviest loss of life during the Twin Towers tragedy in New York on September 11th, 2001. BGC is proud to continue its legacy of fundraising on behalf of a wide range of charitable causes. The last two events raised $9 million, all of which was given to charity.

From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/342-goldberg-keitel-trading-for-charity

Former Presidents Bush and Clinton Hailed For Charity Work

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 11:54:20 +0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

The stars came out in early September not only to celebrate the marking of the 75th anniversary of Save the Children but to hail the former U.S. Commanders in Chief George Bush Sr and Bill Clinton for their humanitarian efforts worldwide. The specific work recognized was the presidents’ efforts to raise money for the victims of the tsunami in Indonesia and Hurricane Katrina.

Melinda French Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, was also recognized. The foundation has given $110 million to Save the Children over 11 years in an effort to help reduce child mortality rates in 18 developing countries, said Foundation spokesman Mike Kiernan. Save the Children was created in 1932 to ensure the well-being of children worldwide, including 12 and more than 50 countries.

Academy Award-nominated Samuel L. Jackson was the master of ceremonies at the event, which took place in a tent outside of the renowned Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall. A long list of dignitaries and a who’s who of Hollywood attended the event, including Julianne Moore, Drew Carey, Mischa Barton, Edie Falco, and Blythe Danner. Representing Save The Children on the night were Mark Kennedy Shriver, vice president and managing director of the charity’s U.S. programs, and Charles MacCormack, president and CEO.

The evening also featured Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, a group of musician who lived in refugee camps after fleeing the tumultuous environment of their homeland. The band’s leader, Reuben Koroma, worked with Save the Children in the camps where he encouraged the children to express their experiences through music and dance.

The work of Save the Children has made significant inroads in countries around the world. The organization states that most children are polio free, that the number of children who can read and write has increased by almost 50 percent, and that half as many children age five die each year now compared to in 1960.

From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/356-former-presidents-bush-and-clinton-hailed-for-charity-work

Tennis Star Roddick Takes Time for Charity

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 12:33:21 +0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

If you think Andy Roddick spends all his free time on the tennis court, think again. He may be ranked 5th in the world on the court, but the tennis star is slowly inching his way to the number one spot in terms of giving back to the community.

Next month will see the third annual Andy Roddick Foundation Charity Gala, and Roddick will be joined by music icon Sir Elton John. Roddick will host the evening’s festivities, which will include an auction, dinner and an intimate concert with Elton John. Executive Chef Mark Dayanandan, winner of this year’s Diamond Chef Award, will be creating a special dinner for the Gala.

The event takes place on October 14th, 2007 at the Hilton Austin and will benefit several organizations in Austin and central Texas. For sponsorship opportunities and more information contact the Andy Roddick Foundation at (561) 620-9449 or check out www.arfoundation.org.

On October 3rd in San Antonio Texas, Roddick will be at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Andy Roddick Youth Tennis Program. The event will begin at 3:30 PM at the tennis courts of Our Lady of the Lake University and Andy will take to the courts for roughly a half an hour.

The Andy Roddick Youth Tennis Program first launched at the Cleto Elementary School in early September. The Program was well received by over one hundred participants who have been attending weekly tennis clinics and speaker sessions focused on nutrition, academics, life values, social interactions and mentor relationships.

On April 26, 2007, Andy Roddick, and the Andy Roddick Foundation received the Arthur Ashe Prestigious Leadership Award from the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health for their dedication to improving the lives of children in need. And would you be surprised to learn that Roddick is the first male tennis player to receive this award?

Founded in 2000, the Andy Roddick Foundation has raised over six million dollars for various Southern Florida and Austin based children’s organizations. The nonprofit Andy Roddick Foundation strives to improve the quality of life and enhance educational and economic opportunities for all children based on the principles of respect for family, education and morality.

From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/361-tennis-star-roddick-takes-time-for-charity

Hugh Laurie - Band From TV For Charity

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 16:13:00 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A rock group comprising of some of television’s biggest stars has scored a hit on iTunes with their new version of the Cab Calloway classic, Minnie The Moocher.

Band From TV is a 9 piece musical ensemble set up by Heroes’ star Greg Grunberg, who plays drums, and features the talents of Desperate Housewives’ James Denton on guitar and House’s Hugh Laurie on keyboards.

“There’s about 50 versions of Minnie The Moocher on iTunes, and I’m afraid ours is the most popular,” joked Laurie about the song’s current success. “It’s a funky version of it… it was a real thrill.”

The Band From TV Global Charity Trust was created to provide funding for several worthwhile charities, and to raise money through music to help those in need. Grunberg started the band after being asked to get a few celebrities to play together at the House Of Blues for charity. The event sparked a great amount of interest, and has led to a number of gigs in the US which have, according to Hugh Laurie, “raised a gargantuan sum of money for charity.”

Money from the gigs is split between the members of the group to go to the cause they feel most passionately about, including The Art of Elysium and The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Laurie’s charity of choice is Save the Children, an organization he has close family ties to – his sister, Susan Lassen, helped found the Save The Children Long Island Volunteer Chapter and was a member of the Board of Trustees.

Greg Grunberg also has close personal ties to his chosen beneficiary. “My oldest son has epilepsy,” he said. "And I saw this band as a wonderful vehicle to help raise money for the Pediatric Epilepsy Project. Having band mates who also happen to be in some of the most popular shows on television creates an amazing opportunity to really reach out to our fans to help support these wonderful causes."

The band, which also includes Bonnie Somerville, Brad Savage and The Bachelor’s Bob Guiney, is currently preparing the final touches to their first album, due to be released this Fall in the US. The CD/DVD package, to be called “Hoggin’ All The Covers”, features reworked versions of classic songs such as Mustang Sally, Lean On Me, and Pink Cadillac. They have also had their take on the old Rolling Stones song, You Can’t Always Get What You Want, included on the recently released House soundtrack.

Band From TV’s versions of Minnie The Moocher and You Can’t Always Get What You Want can be heard on www.myspace.com/bandfromtv, and more information about concert dates and the new album can be found at www.bandfromtv.org.

From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/367-hugh-laurie-band-from-tv-for-charity

Prince Harry To Train With Charity

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 09:23:33 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Plans have been announced for Prince Harry to undertake special training with an international charity organization based in Britain.

The Prince attended a reception for MapAction, of which he is Royal Patron, at Parliament Square in London on October 10, to celebrate 50 successful missions carried out by the non-Governmental organization.

MapAction, which was founded in 2003, is dedicated to creating maps during natural disasters that highlight the areas where medical attention is needed most. It also pinpoints important logistical and transport facilities, such as working bridges, undamaged roads, and potential landing sites for helicopters. Volunteers in the field update the maps hour-by-hour, enabling aid agencies to do their job of delivering assistance where it can save lives and relieve suffering.

“We are hoping the Prince may be able to deploy with us,” said Roger Wedge, a spokesman for the organization. “There may be some difficulties with that, but we’re training him up.”

Wedge went on to say that Prince Harry will attend a training weekend in the near future, and will be taught the skills required to operate in foreign countries.

“It’s an idea we’d like to think is possible,” said a spokesperson for the Prince. “Harry would love to go.”

The 23 year old Prince became Royal Patron of the charity in April 2007, after becoming extremely interested in the role of MapAction and its work in disaster emergencies. The organization deploys volunteers to disasters all over the world, and has recently operated in the Caribbean during Hurricane Dean, as well as in the September floods in Ghana, which killed 6 people and affected 260,000. They have also completed successful missions during disasters in Kenya, Indonesia, Tajikistan, Suriname, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

As well as MapAction, Prince Harry is also patron of a number of other charities, including WellChild, which provides care and support for sick children and their families, Dolen Cymru, an organization that promotes friendship and understanding between the people of Wales and the people of Lesotho, and Sentebale, a children’s charity set up in 2004 during his visit to Lesotho. By coincidence, Lesotho is also the location of MapAction’s first ever field mission in 2003.

“MapAction’s volunteer ethos and innovative use of new methods and technologies to meet humanitarian needs has caught the Prince’s imagination,” said David Spackman, Director of MapAction. “As a young Army officer, the importance and use of maps will be second nature to him. We hope the Prince’s support will be an asset in raising the charity’s profile.”

From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/386-prince-harry-to-train-with-charity

A Little "Moore" For Charity

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 11:29:52 +0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

What more could Bond star Sir Roger Moore do than receive a star on the walk of fame this week? The answer would be, host one of the biggest charity events of the weekend, the World Magic Awards on Saturday October, 13th.

The charity event benefitted the Feed the Children organization. Sir Roger was not the only the star on the scene to support the event. The legendary scene stealer Joan Collins was there as well as blonde bombshell Pamela Anderson, magician Hans Klok, Donald Trump’s ex-wife Marla Maples, John Schneider, Robert Vaughn, Eric Roberts and many more. Famous magicians from around the world put on quite a show.

This magical event will be televised in December. Proceeds from the network licensing fee and sponsorships will be going to Feed the Children organization. The mission is to use magic to make a happy and healthier world for children.

From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/387-a-little-moore-for-charity

Emma Thompson’s Sex Slave Journey

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 12:25:22 +0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Actress and screenwriter Emma Thompson has lent her face and time to support the Journey installation, which recently appeared in front of London’s National Gallery and is now headed to other locations.

Journey’s seven rusty shipping containers, the kind also used for trafficking people, lined Trafalgar Square for a week last month. Each container was curated by a different artist, and each depicts elements in the life of a London sex slave, Elena, sold for £500 ($1,000 US) in Lithuania to traffickers, and then forced to serve 20 to 30 clients a day. Visitors to the installation leave at least disturbed, if not unnerved.

Created to bring attention to the work of the Helen Bamber Foundation, an organization that offers therapeutic treatment to those traumatised by violence and abuse, the installation came from Thompson’s friendship with Elena, one of Bamber’s clients. Thompson offers her studio for yoga and pilates to clients from the foundation.

“They come through a lot, and we have volunteers who teach drums and guitar. It’s part of their physical rehabilitation. I get to know people and we talk, and some people you make friends with,” Thompson says. “Our engagement with people who have suffered is full of riches. Our curiosity needs to be engaged instead of pity. We need engagement rather than charity.”

It is the goal of Journey to raise awareness about sex trafficking, and the fact that the UK has become the prime destination for trafficked women and girls. Its other goal, of course, is to raise funds for the Helen Bamber Foundation for the rehabilitation of victims. The foundation in particular wants the UK to sign up to the Council of Europe Convention on Trafficking.

Journey is due to go on tour to Glasgow, Liverpool, and hopefully eastern Europe.

From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/401-emma-thompsons-sex-slave-journey

Beckham To Play Charity Soccer Match

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 10:41:39 +0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Soccer star David Beckham is to play in a charity match to benefit those affected by the devastating wildfires currently causing havoc in Southern California.

November 4 will see Beckham’s Los Angeles Galaxy team, which he joined in July, take on a celebrity team – known as Hollywood United – with profits going to the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army.

“Everyone’s expected to play, including David,” said Galaxy General Manager, Alexi Lalas. “This is a great opportunity for our organization to do something positive for our area, our home, and for our friends and neighbors who have been impacted by these incredibly devastating wildfires.”

The fires have now been burning out of control on the border between LA and Mexico for two weeks, and over 500,000 people have been forced to leave their homes. During this time, 800 square miles and over 2000 buildings and houses have been destroyed, with 12 people confirmed dead.

“Our players are residents of Southern California,” said Lalas. “This is a great way for us to bring some attention and, most importantly, raise some money.”

The match will take place at Galaxy’s home ground, the Home Depot Center in Carson, and a large turnout is expected. A host of celebrities have stepped forward for the Hollywood United team, including Without A Trace star Anthony LaPaglia, The Transporter’s Jason Statham, former Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones, Def Leppard’s Vivian Campbell, and former footballer turned actor, Vinnie Jones.

“We’ve all witnessed the destruction these wildfires have caused throughout Southern California,” said Lalas. “Through soccer, we have the ability to help those who have been impacted by this disaster. We encourage all Galaxy fans and soccer fans everywhere to come out and support this worthy cause.”

The footballers are not the only ones doing their bit for the cause. Singer Gwen Stefani has donated the profits from her concert in San Diego on October 30 to victims of the wildfires.

“When I heard about the devastation of the fires, I felt I should cancel my show out of respect,” said the native of Orange County, California. “But then it occurred to me there might be a more useful solution.”

Stefani announced that the proceeds of the show will go to the San Diego Foundation’s After-The-Fires Fund 2007, which has been set up to provide grants to emergency relief providers and non-profit service organizations involved in the fires

From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/409-beckham-to-play-charity-soccer-match

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